CHAPTER 4.00 - CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
THE CURRICULUM
I.
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The District curriculum shall be determined by
A.
Students’ needs as determined by studies, assessments and surveys;
B.
Continuous evaluation of curriculum effectiveness in meeting students’
needs in the District;
C.
Florida Statutes, State Board of Education rules, and the School Board;
and
D.
Florida Department of Education developed and School Board approved
Florida curriculum frameworks, State Student Performance Standards and
course descriptions.
II.
The Superintendent may appoint such committees and special study groups as
may be necessary to assist in determining the educational needs of the District.
III.
The Superintendent shall designate an appropriate staff member who is
responsible for the development and coordination of the total curriculum of the
District.
IV.
The program of instruction can be found in the Student Progression Plan for
elementary, middle and high school levels. A student’s progression from one
grade to another shall be determined, in part, upon proficiency in reading,
writing, science, and mathematics.
V.
The responsibility and right of an instructional staff member to present
information of a controversial nature is hereby recognized. The teacher shall not
present controversial material or issues which are not directly or closely related
to the subject area being taught. In presenting controversial materials on an
issue, the teacher shall present all sides of the question without bias or
prejudice and shall permit each student to arrive at his/her own conclusions.
VI.
A course description shall be presented for School Board approval before any
course or unit in the objective study of the Bible or a comparative study of
religion, as provided in Florida Statutes, is initiated in any school. The
description shall detail the purpose of the course, the materials to be used, grade
location, length of the course, and credit value. No teacher shall present or
permit to be presented any material which ridicules any religious sect, belief, or
faith.
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Revised: 01/20/12
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CHAPTER 4.00 - CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
VII.
Prior to initiating any course or unit of instruction in human growth and
development, a course outline and complete description shall be presented for
School Board approval. This rule does not preclude the teaching of personal
cleanliness in health and physical education classes or in the elementary grades,
or the teaching of matters relating to sex education as provided in state-adopted
textbooks, or information relating to sex education as required in other courses
using duly-adopted textbooks and materials where the teaching of sex is an
incidental part of the course.
VIII.
It shall be the responsibility of the school to make students aware of the dangers
and consequences of sexually transmitted diseases. The manner, scope, and
levels at which this information will be presented shall be determined by the
Superintendent or designee in consultation with instructional supervisors and
principal(s). Prior to initiating any such unit of instruction, the proposed program,
the materials to be used, and other essential information shall be presented to
the School Board for approval. When any questionable information is to be
viewed by mixed groups, the sexes may be separated for presentation of
materials.
IX.
Age-appropriate information about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, and other sexually
transmissible diseases shall be taught in Grades K-12. Instruction shall address
causes, transmission, and prevention and shall be approved by the School
Board.
X.
The Superintendent or designee shall review curriculum frameworks which are
prepared and distributed by the Florida Department of Education and related to
AIDS education. If the curriculum frameworks are inconsistent with locally
determined curriculum for AIDS education or are not reflective of local values
and concerns, the Superintendent shall advise the School Board and provide
recommendations for instructional activities.
XI.
A student shall be exempt from instructional activities on reproductive health or
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) provided his/her parent, as
defined by Florida Statutes, files a written request with the school principal.
XII.
In compliance with Florida Statute, throughout instruction in Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, or health education, when
such instruction and course material contains instruction in human sexuality, a
school shall:
A.
Teach abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected
standard for all school-age children while teaching the benefits of
monogamous heterosexual marriage.
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B.
Emphasize that abstinence from sexual activity is an absolute way to
avoid pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, including Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and other associated health
problems.
C.
Teach that each student has the power to control personal behavior and
encourage students to base actions on reasoning, self-esteem, and
respect for others.
D.
Provide instruction and material that is appropriate for the grade and age
of the student.
XIII.
The harmful effects of alcohol, the adverse health effects and implications of
tobacco use in any form, the abuse of prescription drugs, and the true effects of
narcotic drugs shall be emphasized in the instructional program of students at
appropriate levels as specified in the Student Progression Plan.
XIV.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop a physical education program to
implement the requirements of Florida Statutes.
XV.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to implement the
provisions of the Florida Secondary School Redesign Act. Requirements of the
Act shall be incorporated into the Student Progression Plan.
XVI.
The District shall provide instruction in the use and application of technology.
XVII. When dealing with political issues, the positions of all parties will be presented
on a nonpartisan basis. Partisan political literature will not be distributed in
schools. However, schools may give out information relating to School District
taxes or the need for construction bonds.
XVIII. All course materials and verbal or visual instruction shall conform to the
requisites and intent of all Florida law and the state constitution. All instructional
materials, including teachers’ manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary
instructional material, shall be available for inspection by parents of the children
engaged in such classes.
XIX.
The Superintendent/designee shall develop procedures to assure all aspects of
curriculum development and implementation are carried out.
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STATUTORY AUTHORITY:
LAW(S) IMPLEMENTED:
1001.41, 1001.42, F.S.
1000.21, 1001.43, 1003.413, 1003.42, 1003.4203,
1003.43, 1003.45, 1003.455, 1006.28,
1006.29, 1008.25, 1010.305, F.S.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RULE(S):
HISTORY:
©EMCS
Revised: 01/20/12
6A-1.0941, 6A-1.09412, 6A-1.09414
ADOPTED: 10/02/06
REVISION DATE(S): _______
FORMERLY: IGA, IHA, IHAM,
IHAMA, IHAMC, IMB
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